Automated regional citrate anticoagulation: Technological barriers and possible solutions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Publication Title

Blood Purification

Abstract

Background: Large-scale adoption of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is prevented by risks of the technique as practiced traditionally. Safe RCA protocols with automated delivery on customized dialysis systems are needed. Methods: We applied kinetic analysis of solute fluxes during RCA to design a protocol for sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) for critically ill patients. We used a high-flux hemodialyzer, a zero-calcium (Ca) dialysate, a dialysis machine with online clearance and access recirculation monitoring, and a separate optical hematocrit (Hct) sensor. Flow rates were QB = 200 ml/min for blood; QD = 400 ml/min for dialysate, with Na = 140 mmol/l and HCO3 = 32 mmol/l; Qcitrate = 400 ml/h of acid citrate dextrose A; ultrafiltration as indicated. The QCa was infused into the return blood line, adjusted hourly based on online Hct and a <24-hour-old albumin level. Results: Using the SLED-RCA protocol in an anhepatic, ex vivo dialysis system, ionized Ca (iCa) was >1 mmol/l in the blood reservoir and <0.3 mmol/l in the blood circuit after citrate but before Ca infusion (Q Ca) with normal electrolyte composition of the blood returning to the reservoir. Clinically, SLED-RCA completely abrogated clotting, without adverse electrolyte effects. The QCa prediction algorithm maintained normal systemic iCa (0.95-1.4 mmol/l) in all patients. The high citrate extraction on the dialyzer prevented systemic citrate accumulation even in shock liver patients. Safety analysis shows that building a dialysis system for automated SLED-RCA is feasible. Conclusion: Using predictive QCa dosing and integrating control of the infusion pumps with the dialysis machine, SLED-RCA can be near-automated today to provide a user-friendly and safe system. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PubMed ID

20093828

Volume

29

Issue

2

First Page

204

Last Page

209

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